About

Harjas Grewal is an entrepreneur, strategist, and storyteller working at the intersection of climate, culture, and business.

She is the founder of Understory, a climate and cultural platform exploring environmental justice through storytelling, community, and systems change. Through Understory and her independent work, Harjas has built a global climate community of over 12,000 people and reached more than 10 million viewers through essays, film, and visual storytelling across platforms.

Harjas has worked across North America, Europe, and Asia, building and advising impact-led ventures spanning climate, consumer, healthcare, fashion, and emerging technology. Over the course of her career, she has supported companies and initiatives that have collectively contributed to raising over $10M in venture and philanthropic capital. Her work includes collaborations with Olympians, billion-dollar companies, and leadership on multi-million-dollar impact funds.

She holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Business from Columbia University and received professional training as the youngest cohort member of the Harvard University Humanitarian Initiative. Her human rights work spans impact strategy, due diligence, and stakeholder engagement across complex global supply chains, with hands-on experience in India, Southeast Asia, Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Harjas is a recipient of the Princess Diana Award and previously served as the youngest advisor representing Canada at the United Nations, where she worked on youth engagement, human rights, and international development initiatives. She has spoken on global stages including the UN General Assembly, Cannes Lions, Climate Week NYC, and Harvard University, bringing the intersection of climate, culture, and storytelling to diverse audiences.

In addition to her own ventures, Harjas advises startups, founders, and businesses on:

  • Go-to-market and growth strategy

  • Brand positioning and narrative development

  • Fundraising strategy and investor storytelling

  • Impact, sustainability, and human rights frameworks

Her work has been featured by Business Insider, CBC, CTV, Women of Influence Global, HomeGrown In, and Indian Express, among others. She was also selected as a Diane von Furstenberg Women in Charge mentee and featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and WWD. Her work for an impact fund received the Marie Claire Sustainability Award.

Harjas splits her time between New York, London, and India.